“The low land value of wharves puts them under pressure to be redeveloped as riverside flats.

“But if they’re snapped up by developers, it rules out the future option of transporting waste by river and would reduce the potential to tap into the emerging green economy.”

The Assembly warns this would lead to a future shortage of cheap commercial premises.

“London may have spare office space,” Gavron added. “But turning business premises into homes is not the answer.

“Once the wharves are gone, they’re gone forever—the Thames will slowly cease being a working river.”

Other east London wharves under threat are the Welbeck in Barking, due to inland navigation restrictions at Barking Creek, and DePass Wharf at Dagenham with the poor condition of its jetty and potential impact of the proposed DLR extension to Dagenham Dock. Another three at Bexley are also at risk.